Vilnius, Lithuania: Our Last Stop in Europe

I tried to think of a grabby title for this entry but, well, nothing came to mind. And, to be honest, by this point much of what we saw in Vilnius was similar to what we have already seen in the other Baltic States. And, this city more touristy than the previous ones (Riga, Tallinn, and certainly Daugavpils) we were getting a bit blasé at this point. Seeing the tour groups clogging the crowded cobblestones lanes, trailing the flag-toting leader, this city began to feel like a European Disneyland. But if you take exception to these comments just chalk it up to my personal opinion. Or, as my Oma would say, “Geschmacksache”, a matter of taste!

But we did see some interesting sites and learned a few things. And we stumbled upon a country within a country (more on that below) And, ah yes! the weather was getting warmer. So there’s that.

This city certainly is photo-worthy. But first I have two views before we even came to Vilnius, approaching from Daugavpils, Latvia.

As is often the case I will upload the photos first and add more comments later. Yesterday here in Thailand we had a four hour power outage because of the monsoons.

Above and Below. Rural Lithuania. Rutted trail leads to gutted houses. Cemetery in background.

White Storks are still fairly common in this part of Europe. Many villages, like here, accommodate their needs, setting up wagon wheels or wooden frames as nesting platforms.

The modern city center is separated from Old Vilnius by the River Neris.

Historical national (armorial) flag of Lithuania. It was the flag of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania right up until the 18th century when it ceased to be grand. Or a duchy. The current Lithuanian flag can be seen in the photo before this one.

Russian Orthodox Church. “It contains the relics of the first three Orthodox martyrs in Lithuania.” (from a reviewer).

This creepy trio graces stares down from atop the entrance to a store on busy Gedimino Street.

Amber-colored chess pieces on what looks like a marble board. Chess coordinates are inlaid on the sides

This view and the next two photos are of Gediminas Castle. You can walk up or take the funicular for a euro.

This photo can be selected to read background history on the castle and on the city’s simplifying the flow of the Vilnia River, the smaller river that feeds into the Neris.

Aah. Spring is here.

The Vilnia River is pretty much controlled with paths and artificial embankments on both sides.

Cathedral Square: Vilnius Cathedral (left) and the National Museum (right).

The very imposing Romanesque Vilnius Cathedral.

This morning we accidentally walked into another country: Uzupis.
Well, a self-proclaimed republic just across the brook from Vilnius proper. They even have their own Constitution assumed self-evident rights are etched on a long series of shiny metal panels, translated into several languages. Rather quirky items here. Number 13 states:

“A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of nee.” (sic)

We can only hope that those times of nee are few and far betwee!

A frieze just down the street of the Constitution plaques. Not sure which of the “rights” listed above are assumed here!

Confiscated scissors and lighters. I guess you would call this Found Art. Or – from our personal experience (maybe yours too!) – Lost Art.

This city oozes street art. And not just in the old town.

Walking by the train station on the way to the bus terminal.

Children on a field trip to old town. Having taught all ages of students I think most about the young ones. Some of these kids will most likely live to the turn of the next century. I wonder what kind of Europe these students will grow up in. Do you ever have thoughts like this?

Next time I hope to tie up a couple of loose ends. I have one last Nicaragua article to write and a few other on the back burner.